The various fountains on campus serve as an appealing meeting place for
Weekly Ringer
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Callie Harkins
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Emma Kingkeo News Editor Ky Huynh
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Claire Marshall Watkins
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Abbey Magnet
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Students contribute to Spanberger campaign
HARSHA RAVURI Staff Writer
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger secured her place on the primary elections ballot with an overwhelming show of support, collecting four times the required number of signatures.
“The kind of support from the party and voters seen for Spanberger now makes me very excited about the potential of electing our first female governor of Virginia.” - Shadwick Yoder
Among those who contributed to this effort were students from the University of Mary Washington, particularly members of the UMW Young Democrats, who played a crucial role in gathering signatures and mobilizing their peers.
Shadwick Yoder, president of the organization, expressed his excitement about the possibility of electing Virginia’s first female governor.
“The kind of support from the party and voters seen for Spanberger now makes me very excited about the potential of electing our first female governor of Virginia,” he said.
Spanberger, who represented Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District from 2019 until January of this year, has a strong connection to UMW and Fredericksburg.
Since the beginning of her Congressional career, Spanberger has engaged with the campus community, hiring UMW students to work in her congressional offices, on subsequent campaigns for reelection and making frequent visits to the university. Now, as she seeks to become Virginia’s first female governor, some students are rallying behind her.
The UMW Young Democrats dedicated much of the semester to gathering signatures for Spanberger and other Democratic candidates.
Yoder explained that their approach combined on-campus tabling, door-todoor outreach and individual efforts from members who carried petitions with them throughout the day.
“One of the most successful signature-collecting efforts we did was tabling in front of the University Center,” he said. “We handed out Young Dems buttons, played music and had snacks, which drew in a lot of students to sign the petitions.”
Beyond tabling, club members made it a habit to collect signatures before and after meetings, between classes and at campus events.
Alexandra Pasto, vice president of the UMW Young Democrats, noted that many students were motivated by a desire to challenge the Republican trifecta in Virginia.
“I believe that students are fueled with general motivation to dissolve the Republican trifecta,” Pasto said. “I also know many students have felt Spanberger’s leadership and wish to see her do more, continuing her legacy and leadership as Governor.”
UMW Young Democrats ultimately contributed hundreds of signatures to Spanberger’s campaign.
“While there will always be calls for more partisan action, Spanberger has been effective as a moderate willing to work across the aisle,” Yoder said.
Several students at UMW recognize their potential to influence elections, particularly in Fredericksburg, where their votes can sway local races.
“I believe that students are fueled with general motivation to dissolve the Republican trifecta.”
- Alexandra Pasto
“Involvement from students in campaigns like this shows the importance of young voters,” Yoder said.
The primary is June 17 and early, in-person voting begins on May 2 and goes until June 14. The gubernatorial election will be held on Nov. 4, and early voting begins on Sept. 19.
Bell tower logo designed by Bernadette D’Auria ‘22
“I’m incredibly grateful to our volunteers who spent long hours distributing petitions, talking to their neighbors, and putting us on the path to victory in November,” Spanberger said in a press release.
Abigail Spanberger, former representative for Virginia’s Seventh Congressional District, received enough signatures to get on the primary ballot. @abigailspanberger / Instagram
Spanberger received more than 40,000 signatures for the ballot. @abigailspanberger / Instagram
Spanberger connects with UMW through frequent visits and hiring students. @abigailspanberger / Instagram
A call to culture: Mary Washington students have the world at their fingertips and should take advantage of events
ADAM BRITTON Staff Writer
In today’s increasingly globalized world, understanding and appreciating cultural diversity is more important than ever. The University of Mary Washington offers dozens of cultural events each school year, and students should actively participate in these events to understand how they can profoundly impact personal growth and open their eyes to new perspectives. Attending cultural events can create life-long memories with their peers, faculty and staff. These events can also raise awareness about the importance of cultural programming and encourage greater participation from both the campus and the community.
Most of these events are free and open to the public, like the Multicultural Fair, which the university hosts annually every April. This year, the Multicultural Fair will take place on April 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“I think it’s always important for any student to take advantage of any programmatic opportunities on campus,” said Chris Williams, Assistant Director of the James Farmer Multicultural Center. “Particularly cultural programming, because many of us come from different areas around, not just the Commonwealth of Virginia, but around the country.”
Attending cultural events allows students to learn about and appreciate these differences, fostering a more inclusive and empathetic community. One of the key benefits of participating in cultural events is the opportunity to expand one’s horizons beyond what many students’
perspectives of the world around them, but also themselves.
These events feature a variety of activities, from dancing and singing to sharing historical and cultural knowledge. In doing so providing a comprehensive and engaging way for students to learn about different cultures.
“One aspect of it is being mindful that people may have different driving forces for why they’re doing and why they’re showing up in college, and some of those are tied to cultural experiences.” said Michael Middleton, Director of Campus Recreation.
While events such as the Multicultural Fair highlight the importance of a global community, they also emphasize the importance of a campus community.
“Some students note that college can be lonely, and with that, we often have to take the risk of putting ourselves out there, introducing ourselves, trying something new,” said Emily Crosby, assistant professor of communication. “I encourage students to join a club, or go see a theater production. To not only diversify your experiences, but to also find your own hobbies, your own interests and finding your own people. But it often starts with just showing up and trying something and hopefully curriculum and communication,”
Middleton echoed that sentiment. He cited Taste of Asia, a celebration which UMW hosts each fall that consists of various performances and foods, as an impactful event that he attended his first year as a student at UMW.
“My first year [at Taste of Asia], I got to see a student organization that’s unfortunately no longer here at the University, but is near and dear to my heart, called UMW
Breakers. I got to watch them first perform at that cultural celebration. There is connection between the breakdancing community and a lot of different countries in Asia, so that collaboration is something that people maybe didn’t expect, but makes sense. Watching that and being present to see that made me excited and energized to join that student organization,” Middleton said.
This experience not only sparked his interest in breakdancing but also led to lifelong friendships and leadership opportunities. Such experiences demonstrate how cultural events can inspire students to explore new interests and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
“As you connect with these areas, you’re going to grow, you’re going to learn,” Middleton said. “So it’s a two-way street that gets created, and hopefully it’s one that gets created for longevity.”
Understanding and appreciating different cultures is essential for fostering a sense of community and inclusivity on campus. How it emphasizes that cultural awareness helps students develop empathy and respect for diverse perspectives. This, in turn, enhances their ability to connect with peers from different backgrounds and navigate the complexities of a multicultural world.
Actively engaging with diverse experiences can expand students’ intellect and social networks, to encourage students to lean into the horizons of their comfort zones and embrace the diversity that college life offers.
Highlights of Upcoming Events:
UMW Jazz Festival
April 5 | 7:30-9pm Dodd Auditorium
Leo Sushansky, violin, and Thomas Pandolfi, piano
April 7 | 7:30-9pm
Weatherly Wing, Seacobeck
UMW Music Ensembles Spring Concert
April 25 | 7:30-9pm
Dodd Auditorium
Music Dept Honors Recital
April 26 | 7:30-9pm
Weatherly Wing, Seacobeck
Check out our calendar for more events: https: //cas.umw.edu/music/events-calendar/ For any questions, contact us at: music@umw.edu
All of our events are f ree and open to the public .
Getting to know the band behind the bagpipes
Contributing Writer
The unafraid loudness of the bagpipes is what first caught freshman Micah Terri’s attention.
He was drawn not only to the instrument’s airy and decorative starkness, but also to the strong sense of community that emitted with each of the band’s bellowing notes when sitting front and center at Honor Convocation.
“It was marvelous, and I was like, that’s what I want to do. I want to do that,” said Terri.
This moment marked Terri’s introduction to the university and what had enticed him to look for the pipe bag bandstand at the Club Carnival.
However, Terri is not the first student at UMW to encounter this sensation after being unexpectedly greeted by the bagpipe band’s loud presence.
There has been an influx of students, like Terri, who desire to become involved with the bagpipe band. According to Donald Glander, a junior history and sociology double major and president of the Eagle Pipe Band, more students are now becoming members.
“I will say this year has been the best the band has had, maybe ever,” said Glander.
The Eagle Pipe Band, despite its recent increase in new members, is far from being new to UMW. The band, founded in 1997, is composed of students, faculty, alumni and community members, all with the same passion for playing pipes together. Over the years, it has become a staple of UMW tradition—a beacon of spirit, creativity and community.
Each Thursday from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. in Room 304 of Pollard Hall, you will find Glander guiding the beginners as they navigate their first steps in piping.
Every new member starts with a beginner instrument called a chanter.
“It’s the part of the bagpipes without the drones and bag. Beginners learn on it, but non-beginners still use it to practice and learn tunes,” said Glander.
The chanter is a foundational instrument essential to eventually playing the bagpipes, and UMW provides it at no cost.
“It is 100% free for students– we supply everything,” said Glander.
However, the club is distinct from the official performing band and serves as an entry point for beginners interested in learning. According to Glander, playing the instrument is no easy task.
“If you don’t practice every day, your instrument fights back against you,” said Glander.
Once you learn and advance your skills on the chanter, you must spend a few months adjusting to the fully added bagpipes. Assuming you learn and memorize the tunes on the bagpipes, you likely have the opportunity to join and play with the band.
The process may be lengthy, but to Glander, “all the maintenance and practice for your instrument becomes worth it when you have a competition or gig and are in the full Highland Regalia. You hear yourself, and then you hear everybody around you, and you think, this is awesome; that’s the coolest part.”
Glander’s continued practice and devotion to the pipes are driven by the feeling he gets when he performs with the band.
“You can feel Scotland in your blood, in your veins; it is such a cool feeling. You get such a rush of adrenaline. It’s awesome,” he said.
The Eagle Pipe Band practices under the instruction of their Director, Olivia Corcoran. She leads the Band with 18 years of playing experience.
“She’s like the cream of the crop,” said Glander. “It’s like being taught guitar by a rock star.”
Corcoran attempts to create a welcoming environment for the band, one that is not intimidating and does not scare anyone off.
“We offer free lessons, uniforms, equipment, a sense of community, a sense of belonging, increased musical awareness, lots of things that are to be gained here,” said Corcoran. “It’s important to keep this ancient tradition alive. And also, I think it just creates a more well-rounded person.”
For Glander, having not played the bagpipes before college, the club and band offered him a chance to learn and grow his expertise.
“It’s an incredible opportunity. When you think about it, where else are you gonna get pipe lessons for free?” he said.
Currently, the band is preparing for one of their biggest competitions yet, the Southern Maryland Celtic Festival, occurring on April 26.
Looking to the future of the Eagle Pipe Band, they have high hopes of gaining more members.
“You don’t have to be Scottish to join the band. You can know jack about Scotland and the bagpipes and bagpipe music, and you can still join the band. It is a very welcoming environment,” said Glander. “I think some people feel like the bagpipes are not for me, but that shouldn’t stop you.”
Although the instrument is niche, Terri hopes more people will sign up despite that.
“A lot of people don’t think they can do it because they think it’s too hard and it is hard, but it’s as hard as any other instrument,” he said. “It takes practice and dedication, but once you’ve got it, it’s really fun, and the experience is one you won’t soon forget.”
For Terri, the band is more than just music—it’s a place where he truly belongs.
“The marching band in high school didn’t have that sense of community that I have here now with the bagpipe band,” he said.
CHLOE MCCANN
The Pipe Band stays booked and busy around this time of year, playing loads of local venues. @UMW Eagle Pipe Band / Facebook
Bagpipe club is looking for new members, so try something new and join UMW Eagle Pipe Band’s ensemble. @UMW Eagle Pipe Band / Facebook
UMW Eagle Pipe Band can often be found in the community of Downtown Fredericksburg. @UMW Eagle Pipe Band / Facebook
TICKETS ARE $5 w/ UMW ID AT THE KLEIN THEATRE BOX OFFICE IN THE LOBBY OF DUPONT HALL (Limit TWO tickets per UMW ID)
Open in Klein Theatre Now thru April 19
Raymond Arsenault gives presentation on life of John Lewis
On Tuesday evening, the UMW Great Lives Lecture Series welcomed back author Raymond Arsenault, who presented his book on civil rights activist and politician John Lewis. In the book titled “John Lewis: in Search of Beloved Community,” Arsenault recalls Lewis’s work toward equality and inclusion.
“This one is really special to me,” said Aresenault. “I can say without any doubt that he was the single most extraordinary person that I had the privilege of knowing in a lifetime.”
Director of UMW Great Lives Lecture Series and Professor Emeritus of History William Crawley highlighted Aresenault’s past lectures on leading figures and events in the civil rights movement, this being his fourth appearance.
“Professor Arsenault seemed an ideal choice to speak on the exceptional career of the late John Lewis,” said Crawley. “His impact on the series has been notable for bringing a strong focus on civil rights and social justice through the lives of the topics he has covered.”
In 1986, Lewis was elected to Congress and served for 17 terms. Lewis transformed Congress into a motor for social justice and change during his tenure there, according to Arsenault.
“He was totally committed to the philosophy of nonviolence,” said Aresenault. “Which is not an easy thing to do. I mean you can adopt it as a strategy or as a tactic but to actually have it dominate your life and to live up to that is, I think is quite extraordinary.”
Aresenault has spent his life around civil rights leaders and activists, and he expressed how he wanted to live up the same way that Lewis did.
“He would often say that the proof of putting and being committed to nonviolence is that somehow you have to bring yourself to a point where you can love your enemies as much as you love your friends,” said Aresenault.
Arsenault recounts the story of when American activist James Lawson started a nonviolent workshop teaching Gandhism in the fall of 1959. Lawson began holding workshops every Tuesday night, teaching not only nonviolence as a strategy or a tactic but as a way of life.
“He trained many of the people who would become the leaders of the movement over the next decade and John Lewis was one of them,” he said.
In 1963, Lewis gave a speech at a march that called for mass nonviolent movement across the south. However, some found his speech to be too extreme, and despite his passion, Lewis decided to tone it down. Aresenault noted that Lewis did this because he wanted to continue advancing civil rights without setting the movement back.
“He once said ‘I spend a lot of time giving speeches and writing things, but I’m not really a man of words, I’m a man of action. I want to see ideas turn into action,’” said Aresenault. “And he never forgot that.”
He continued, “Even though he was a quiet, soft spoken, a shy person, he has fire in himself when it came to freedom and social justice.”
Aresenault describes Lewis as someone who “always seemed to be able to do the right thing,” he said.
Allie Schwartz, a sophomore political science and English double major, has admired Lewis’s work in civil rights and as a politician.
“He worked tirelessly his entire life to create a more just and equal country for everyone, which is a sentiment I think everyone should appreciate,” she said. “I’m glad UMW is highlighting his work through the Great Lives Lecture Series.”
“I can say without any doubt that he was the single most extraordinary person that I had the privilege of knowing in
lifetime.”
- Raymond Arsenault
a
Crawley shared his thoughts on Aresenault’s contribution to Lewis’s legacy not only from his personal connection with him but also from research and interviews for the memoir.
“Both the book and the talk leave no doubt that Arsenault has enormous admiration for the Black leader’s contributions to American life, but also for his personal warmth and humanity,” he said. “Despite that personal connection, Arsenault’s approach is not worshipful, though it is certainly sympathetic.”
Crime Column
EMMA KINGKEO News Editor
The Crime Column is based on UMW Police reports from March 26 to April 2.
There has been no crime reported since The Weekly Ringer’s last publication on March 28.
Raymond Arsenault has spoken for the UMW Great Lives Matter Series in the past, highlighting civil rights and social justice activists throughout history. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
KY HUYNH Associate Editor
Arsenault recounted some of John Lewis’ actions in the 1950s and 1960s. Abbey Magnet / The Weekly Ringer
Sports
Women’s rugby wins Mid Atlantic 7s tournament during senior celebration
As the end of the season approaches, UMW women’s rugby seniors faced an emotional final home game during the Mid Atlantic 7s Series. On Saturday, the team competed against three different universities: George Mason, Virginia Commonwealth University, and William and Mary.
Despite early struggles, UMW’s B Team secured a 22–0 victory over the William and Mary B Team for fifth place in the tournament. Meanwhile, UMW’s A Team dominated their matches, defeating GMU 47–0 and the William & Mary B Team 48–0. Advancing to the semifinals, they overcame VCU 39–0 to reach the finals against the William & Mary A Team. In the final match of the day, the Mary Washington A Team claimed a 12–5 victory.
The match was both a celebration and a bittersweet farewell for those on the cusp of graduation.
“This has been a great season, great freshmen coming up,” said Macy Burnett, a senior accounting major. “We’ve had a really good team, and, you know, we’ve just progressed so much. And I really appreciate everyone on the team.”
She continued,“Everyone has been working so hard, and we’ve just gotten better as time goes on. And we are making big strides.”
For Grace Williams, a senior biology major, the end of the rugby season starts to bring on a flurry of emotions.
“I’ve been playing for three and a half years, and it’s just such a big part of my life,” Williams said. “I’m seeing there’s a lot of rookies out there, which is always really awesome to see.
I think one of my favorite parts of being on the team is watching the new girls grow.”
Williams joined the team just as sports resumed after the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, during a time when the rugby team had just four rookies, including herself.
“To see all these big groups of girls come in, especially after the Olympics, is so awesome and so exciting, and it’s awesome watching them grow, especially with such an intimidating sport.” she said.
Morgan Butler, a senior economics major, shared the mix of emotions she’s feeling as the season winds down.
“It’s a lot of sadness, but also a lot of adrenaline knowing that we actually have a fighting chance to go to Nationals, and that’s really exciting,” Butler said. “There’s a lot of great potential with the freshmen this year, and it’s really exciting to see everyone’s pouring their heart and effort into the team, and you can see it really paying off.”
Senior Isabella Lazarte, a psychology major who has been on the team for four years, but says this season feels particularly special.
“I’ve been on the team for four years, and my freshman year, we came pretty close,” Lazarte said. “Being able to potentially go to Nationals for my senior year is super exciting.”
Psychology major Brianna Daly reflected on the progress of the team throughout the game.
“Our side started off a little slow, lacking confidence, but as we went on throughout the day, we were able to build the confidence. The hits were getting made just like they should be, and our passes were looking a lot better.” Daly said.
“Being able to potentially go to Nationals for my senior year is super exciting.”
- Isabella Lazarte
Next up for UMW women’s rugby is the MARC 7s Automatic Qualifier on April 5 and 6 at the University of Maryland. 16 teams will compete for a spot in the Collegiate Rugby National 7s Championship.
University of Mary Washington Spring Sports Schedule
Baseball (20-6)
Mar. 29 vs. Christopher Newport University (6-2)
Apr. 1 @ Eastern Mennonite University (11-9)
Apr. 6 vs. Notre Dame of Maryland University
Softball (8-18)
Apr. 12 vs. Salisbury University
Men’s Tennis (11-4)
Mar. 29 @ Christopher Newport University (4-3)
Apr. 5 vs. Swarthmore College
Women’s Tennis (4-6)
Mar. 29 @ Chirstopher Newport University (0-7)
Apr. 5 @ Case Western Reserve University
Men’s Lacrosse (7-4)
Mar. 29 vs. Stockton University (23-8)
Apr. 5 @ Montclair State University
Women’s Lacrosse (10-1)
Mar. 21 @ Kenyon College (14-8)
Mar. 23 @ Denison University (13-11)
Men’s Rugby (4-7) Apr. 12 @ Queens College 7s Event
Women’s Rugby (2-3)
Apr. 5 @ University of Maryland
Games are available to watch via livestream on the UMW Athletics webpage www.eagles.com/composite
THOMAS JACKSON Sports Editor
AYIANA ALLEN Staff Writer
The Mary Wash women’s rugby team posing with their seniors at their final home match of the season, a tournament with six other teams. @umwrugby / Instagram
The University of Mary Washington women’s rugby team celebrated their seniors Saturday while getting first place in an event against Willian & Mary, Virginia Commonwealth University and George Mason University. @umwrugby / Instagram